1998 HONDA CIVIC battery

Five-Step Troubleshooting
L Verify The Complaint
Turn on all the components in the problem
circuil lo check the accuracy of the customer
complaint. Note the symptoms. Do not begin
disassembly or testing until you have
narrowed down the problem area.
2. Analyze The Schematic
Look up the schematic for the problem
circuit. Determine how the circuit is
supposed to work by tracing the current
paths lrom the power source through the
circuit components to ground. Also, trace
circuits that share wiring with the problem
circuit. The names of circuits that share the
same fuse, ground, or switch, and so on, are
referred to in each circuit schematic. Try to
operate any shared circuits you didn't check
in step 1 . lt the shared circuits work, the
shared wiring is OK, and the cause must be
in the wiring used only by the problem
circuit. lf several circuits fail at the same
time, the fuse or ground is a likely cause.
Based on the symptoms and your
understanding of the circuit's operation,
identify one or more possible causes.
3. lsolate The Problem By Testing The Circuit
Make circuit tests to check the diagnosis
you made in step 2. Keep in mind that a
logical, simple procedure is the key to
efficient troubleshooting. Test for the most
likely cause of failure first. Try to make tests
at points that are easily accessible.
4. Fix The Problem
Once the specific problem is identified,
make the repair. Be sure to use proper tools
and safe procedures.
5. Make Sure The Circuit Works
Turn on all components in the repaired
circuit in all modes to make sure you've
fixed the entire problem. ll the problem was
a blown fuse, be sure to test all of the
circuits on that fuse. Make sure no new
problems turn up and the original problem
does not recur.
Test Equipment
Most circuits include solid-state devices.
Test the voltages in these circuits only with
a 1o-megaohm or higher impedance digital
mUltimeter. Never use a test light or analog
meter on circuits that contain solid-state
devices. Damage to the devices may result.
Test Light and DVOM
On circuits without solid-state devices, use a
test light to check for voltage. A test light is
made up of a 12 volt bulb with a pair of leads
attached. After grounding one lead, touch the
other lead to various points along the circuit
where voltage should be present. The bulb
will go on if there is voltage at the point being
tested. lf you need to know how much
voltage is present, use a digital
volVohmmeter (DVOM).
Self-Powered Test Light and DVOM
Use a self-powered test light to check for
continuity. This tool is made up of a light bulb,
battery, and tlvo leads. To test it, touch the
leads together: the light should go on.
Use a self-powered test light only on an
unoowered circuit. First, disconnect the
battery, or remove the fuse that feeds the
circuit you are working on. Select two points
in the circuit belween which you want to
check continuity. Connecl one lead of the
self-powered test light to each point. lf there
is continuity, the test light's circuit will be
completed, and the light will go on.
SELF-POWERED TEST LIGHT
lf, in addition, you need lo know exacW hc'.
much resistance there is between two oo'^=
use a digital volUohmmeter (DVOM)
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In the "OHMS" range, the DVOM will measure
resistance between two points along a circuit.
Low resistance means good continuity.
Diodes and solid-state devices in a circuit can
make a DVOM give a false reading. To check
a reading, reverse the leads, and take a
second reading. lf the readings differ, the
component is affecting lhe measurement.
Jumper Wire
Use a jumper wire to bypass an open circuit.
A iumper wire is made up ot an in-line fuse
holder connected to a set of test leads. lt
should have a five amoere fuse. Never
connect a jumper wire across a short circuit.
The direct battery short will blow the fuse.
Short Finder (Short Circuit Locater)
Short finders are available to locale shorts to
ground. The short tinder creates a pulsing
magnetic field in the shorted circuit whlch you
can follow to the location of the short. lts use
is explained on page 15.
SHORT FINDER
To ordei any test equipment shown above,
contact your local tool supplier. For a list of
suppliers and tool numbers, refer to Honda
Required Special Tools and Equipment
Service Bulletin.
How To Use This Manual
Test Equipment (cont'd)
oa
Troubleshooting Precautions
Before Troubleshooting
1. Check the main fuse and the fuse box.
2. Check the battery for damage, state of
charge, and clean and tight connections.
CAUTION:
. Do not quick-charge a battery unlers
the battery ground cable has been
disconnected, or you will damage the
alternator diodes.
. Do not attempt to crank the engine wlth
the ground cable disconnected or you
will severely damage the wiring.
While You're Working
1. Make sure connectors are clean, and have
no loose terminals or receptacles.
2. Make sure lhat connectors without wire
seals are packed with dielectric (silicone)
grease. Part Number: 08798-9001 .
Pack wllh dlelectrlc (sillcons) greass
When connecting a connector, push it until it"clicks" into place.
Do not pull on the wires when
disconnecting a connector. Pull
only on the connector houslngs.
Most circuits Include solid-state
devlces. Test the voltages In these
circuits only with a lo-megaohm or
higher impedance digital multlm6ter.
Never use a test light or analog meter
on chcuits that contain solld-state
devices. Damage to the devices
may result.
oo

Troubleshooting Tests
Testing for Voltage
When testing for voltage at a connector
without wire seals, you do not have to
seoarate the two halves of the connector.
Instead, probe the connector from the back.
Always check both sides of the connector
because dirty, corroded, and bent terminals
can cause problems (no electrical contact =
an open).
1 . Connect one lead of the test light to a
known good ground, or, if you're using a
digital volt ohmmeter (DVOM), place it in
the appropriate DC volts range, and
connect its negative lead to ground.
Connect the other lead of the test light or
DVOM to the point you want to check.
lf the test light glows, there is voltage
present. lf you're using a DVOM, note the
voltage reading. lt should be within one
volt of measured battery voltage.
A loss of more than one volt indicates
a problem.
NOTE: Always use a DVOM on high
impedance circuits. A test light may not
glow (even with baftery voltage present).
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Testing for Continuity
When testing for continuity at a connector
without wire seals, you do not have to
separate the two halves of the connector.
lnstead. Drobe the connector Jrom the back.
Always check both sides of the connector
because dirty, conoded, and bent terminals
can cause problems (no electrical contacl =
an open).
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the car
battery. lf you're using a DVOM, place it in
the lowest "OHMS" range.
2. Connect one lead of a self-powered test
light or DVOM to one end of the part of the
circuit vou want lo test.
Connect the other lead to the other end.
lf the self-powered test light glows, there is
continuity. lf you're using a DVOM, a low
reading or no reading (zero), means
good continuity.
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r3

How To Use This Manual
Troubleshooting Tests
Testing for Voltage Drop
Wires, connectors, and switches are designed
to conduct current wilh a minimum loss of
voltage. A voltage drop of more than one volt
indicates a Droblem.
'1. Place the digital volVohmmeter (DVOM) in
the appropriate DC volts range. Connect
the positive lead to the end of the wire
(or to the connector or switch) closest to
the bafterv.
Connect the negative lead to the other
end of the wire (or the other side of the
connector or switch).
Turn on the components in the circuit.
The DVOM will show the difference
in voltage between the two points. A
difference, or drop, of more than one
volt indicates a oroblem. Check the
circuit for loose, dirty, or bent terminals.
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Testing lor a Short with a Test Light or DVOM
1. Remove the blown fuse and disconnect
the load.
2. Connect a test light or digital
oltr'ohmmeter
(DVOM), switched to the appropnare DC
volts range, across the tuse lerminals to
make sure voltage is present. You might
have to turn the ignition switch to ON:
check the schematic to see.
<-s80RT TOGFOUNO
Disconnecl lheload here.
Beginning near the luse box, wiggle the
harness. Continue this at convenient ooints
about six inches apart while watching the
test light or DVOM.
Where the test light goes off, or the DVOM
voltage drops to zero, there is a short to
ground in the wiring near that point.
NOTE: Always use a DVOM on high
impedance circuits. A test light may not
glow (even with battery voltage present).
3''
ffito.'"o'o
.t.
TEST LIGHTolDVOM

Testing for a Short with a Sell-Powered
Test Light or DVOM
1. Remove the blown fuse and disconnect
the battery and load.
2. Connect one lead of a self-powered test
light or digital volUohmmeter (DVOM)
(switched to the lowest "OHMS" range) to
the fuse terminal on the load side.
Dlsconnect the batlery.
FUSEBOXRemove the fuse.
<- ssoRr rociouNo
Dlsconnect theload here.
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r| SOLENOID
Connect the other lead to a known
good ground.
Beginning near the fuse box, wiggle the
harness. Continue this at convenient
points about six inches apart while
watching the test light or DVOM.
lf the self-powered test light goes on or
the DVOM displays a low reading or no
reading (zero), there is a short to ground
in the wiring near that Point.
SELF.POWEREDTEST LIGHTo1DVOM
4.
5.
Testing tor a Short with a Short Circuit
Locator (Short Finder)
1 . Remove the blown fuse. Leave the
battery connected.
2. Connect the short finder across the battery
terminals and the load (component) side of
the fuse terminal.
SATTERY
SHORTFINOER
FUSEBOX
PULSINGMAGNETICFIELD \
NOPUISING
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MAGNETTC IFIELD ISoLENOTO
3. Close all switches in the circuil
you're testing. (co,f,O
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Fuse
NumberFuse NameAmpsPage
BATTERY
Component or Circult Protected
Power distribution
lgnition switch
INTERIOR LIGHT | 7.5 | 10-10 | DLC, Ceiling light, Trunk light
FI E/M15 i(20 GX) i
i PGM-FI main relay, Fuel injection relay (GX)
Not used
POWER WINDOW| 10-10 | Power window relay
BACK UPStereo radio iuner ('9G'98 mod€ls), Audio unit ('99100
models), Heater control panel, PCM/ECM, TCM (9e'98
cvr)
HEADLIGHT
REAR DEFROSTER I
DOOR LOCK UNIT,
ROOF
i 10-12i Headlights
Not used
Rear window defogger relay
Power door lock control unit (all except '99-'00 models
with keyless), Keyless door lock control unit ('99-'00
models with keyless), Moonroof
i HORN, SrOP Lri 10-13i Horn relay, Brake switch
HAZARDHazard warning switch
OPTIONI 10-13I Security system (option)
i HEATER MOTOR Ii 10-1 i Blower motor relay
(CONDENSER FAN)
COOLING FANl1o-1
Condenser Jan relay, A'lC compressor clutch relay
Radiator tan relay
&5

Ground-to-Components I ndex
f.,lONOTE: All ground wires are BLK unless otherwise noted.
GroundPageComponents or Circuit Grounded
Battery (BLKYEL)
Steering pump bracket
t+-rg ITransmission housing
l
G101
(-1)
G101
(-2)
14-2
and
14-3
ano
14-1
Powertrain or engine control module (PG1 and pG2 are BLK: LG1 and LG2 are
BRN/BLK), EGR control solenoid valve (CW, EGR valve and lift sensor (Dt6yS enginewith M,/T), Engine coolant temperature switch, pGM-Fl main relay, power steeringpressure switch (USA), Primary HO2S (D16Y5 engine with l\/,/T), Vehicle speed sensor,VTEC pressure switch (D16Y5/D16Y8 engines), CKF sensor (BRN/BLK), Transmission
control module (CYf) (Pc1 is BLK: LG1 is BRN/BLK)
Shielding betvveen the PCM or ECM and these components (all have BRN/BLK wires):
CKF sensor, TDC/CKP/CYP sensor. Primary and secondary heated oxygen sensors.
Knock sensor (CWDl6YB engine), Mainshaft speed sensor (AiT except CVT),
I Countershaft speed sensor (A/T except CVf)
Shielding between the TCM and these components (CVT) (all have BRN/BLK wires):
Drive pulley speed sensor, Driven pulley speed sensor, Secondary gear shaft
speed sensor
Powertrain or engine control module (PG1 and pG2 are BLK; LG1 and LGz are
BRN/BLK), EGR control solenoid valve (D16Y5 engine), EGR valve (Dt685), Engine
coolant temperature switch, Fuel pressure regulator shut-off solenoid valve (D1685),
PGM-FI main relay, Power steering pressure switch (USA), Vehicle speed sensor, VTECpressure switch (All except D16Y7 engine), CKF sensor (A

except 81642) (BRN/BLK)
Shielding between the PCM or ECM and these components (all have BRN/BLK wires):
CKF sensor, TDC/CKP/CYP sensor, Primary and secondary heated oxygen sensors,
Knock sensor (All except D16Y7 engine), i/ainshaft speed sensor (Arf except CW),
Countershaft speed sensor (A,/T except CVf), Drive pulley speed sensor (CW), Drivenpulley speed sensor (CVT), Secondary gear shaft speed sensor (CVf)
I Badiator fan motor, Right front parking/turn signat tight, Right headtight
G20214-4I Cruise control actuator, Left front parking/turn signal lights, Left headlight, Rear window
I washer motor, Windshield washer motor, Washer fluid level switch (,99-'00 Canada)
G401| +-o
and
14-7
Accessory power socket, Brake fluid level switch, Clutch interlock switch (M/T), Clutchswitch (lillT with cruise/D16Y5 engine with MfD, Combination wiper switch (Z wires),
Cruise control main switch, Cruise control unit, Dash lights brightness controller, Data
link connector, Daytime running lights control unit (Canada), Gauge assembly, Horn('96-'97 models), Integrated control unit, Interlock control unit (ArI), Keyless door lock
control unit ('99-'00 models with keyless), Moonroof close and open relays, Moonroof
switch, Park pin switch (A/r), Power window relay, Rear window defogger relay, Rear
window defogger switch ('96-'98 models), Steering lock, Stereo radio tuner (,96-,98
USA: LX, EX, and HX), Turn signal/hazard relay, Windshield wiper motor.....plus
everything grounded through G402
6-6

Power Distribution
- From Battery to lgnition Switch, Fuses, and Relays
STARTERPage 21,21-1, ot 21-2
.d1.ro"rr" i
I lsoLENorD I
FUSE 42tG1
BATTERY
To UndeFhood ABSFuse/RelayBox onpage 10-14.
FUSE 47EACK UP
T1
FUSE 41AATTEiY&A
I OETECTOR (ELD) UNIT
tii::.':
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PHOfO U
,
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ELECTRICAL LOAD
i--i rL---- J ELKml
!" Gl
FUSE 4e
0ro{ Urod)FUSE '13Ir|]EAtOAUGHT?.:ta
FUSE 46POWEaWll'IDOW
FUSE /t4
r| E/M1{rA204 (DrGa5)
FUS€ 48TtEADL|a}fT9|'A
FUSE 50NEAAOEFOCGER304
+------, f| ',
I ruse sr I oooa I
J LOC|( uNrr \
il-.4WHT/BLK
Itr '\
\
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c352
vlEW 27
c415Se€ Pow€r Distribution,pag6s 10-10 and 10-11.See Power Distribution,page 10-12.
I
\
L------BLK/VI/HT
1
--------Jc415
Vehiclespre-wired foraccessorysecuritysystem
c913PHOTO 6A
FUSE 16AR DEFFEIAY
FUSE 17HEATEA!'/C FEIAY
FUSE 18{RUNNINOL|GHlFET.AY)7.54
FUSE 27CIGAFETTEL|oHTEAACC SOCKET ta
arse ra fBADIO \
?o?"* \15A ('94 raodcr)
ff".acc0)
llL--------J
See Power Distribution,pages 10-8 and 10-9.
STARTERCUT RELAYPage 21-2
P/lolo 135 (99 00)
See PowetDistribution,page 10-7.
Vehicles pre-wired for acces-sory security system
To Fuse 3'|, for delails, see StartrnqSystem, page 21,21-1 , ot 21-2. -
10